Living With a Host Family

Living with a host family is the best way to totally immerse yourself in another culture. You will share meals with them, practice speaking as you chat about your day at school, and spend time doing things like going to the beach on the weekend or having a barbecue in the back yard.

No two families are the same

Keep in mind that there is no "typical" host family. Every one of them is different. Some may have a lot of kids, others won't have any. You may be in a household with two parents or maybe just one. Sometimes the parents work and other times there are stay-at-home moms and dads.

Household preferences

As time goes by, you'll get a feeling for how the family functions. Does your family like to eat together? Do they hang out after work? Do they take vacations together? Is there a curfew? It's important to be aware of these things and really try to be a part of the family. Let your host family know what you like and what makes you comfortable, too!

Host family communities

Most families live in quaint communities, sometimes near big cities, but usually not directly in them. Smaller communities make it easier for you to become familiar with your environment. People tend to know each other well and have close contact. Your host family will also help you meet people your age, so you have even more friends to hang out with.